How far is Freeman, SD from Rapid City, SD?
The driving distance from Freeman, SD to Rapid City, SD is about 333.9 miles (537.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 293.6 miles (472.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 56m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Lyman County, South Dakota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Freeman and Rapid City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Freeman and Rapid City.
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1
Start on East 3rd Street
9 m · 4 sec · East 3rd Street
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2
Turn right onto South Main Street
1758 ft · 50 sec · South Main Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto East North County Road
1.4 km · 2 min · East North County Road
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4
Turn left onto North US Highway 81
22.8 mi · 26 min · North US Highway 81
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5
Take the exit left
2349 ft · 57 sec
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6
Merge slight left
306.1 mi · 4 hr 49 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 190, US 16: Downtown, Black Hawk National Forest, Mount Rushmore
2265 ft · 1 min
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8
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 2 min
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9
Turn left onto Omaha Street
1148 ft · 39 sec · Omaha Street
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10
Turn right onto Mount Rushmore Road
1223 ft · 46 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Mount Rushmore Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Freeman and Rapid City.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
North US Highway 81
Merge slight left
306 mi · 04h 49m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Freeman and Rain Showers Likely near Rapid City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Freeman to Rapid City?
The road trip is about 333.9 miles (537.3 km) and usually takes 04h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Presho is a useful midpoint, sitting about 166 miles from Freeman and 167.8 miles from Rapid City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 293.6 miles (472.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 40.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:08 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $44.42 one way or $88.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 104.7 kg one way.
Do you cross a time zone on this route?
Yes. There is about a 1 hour time difference between Freeman and Rapid City, so arrival and return times should be read in local time.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Freeman and Rain Showers Likely near Rapid City.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Freeman and Rapid City. Straight-line distance: 293.6 mi (472.51 km).
#1 Freeman
City in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 1,255 |
| Coordinates | 43.3524900, -97.4372900 |
| Altitude | 461 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Rapid City
The second most populous city in South Dakota.
| Population | 77,503 |
| Coordinates | 44.0805400, -103.2310100 |
| Altitude | 988 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mount Rushmore Road (-103.231059, 44.080547)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 537 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 11h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 20m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 09m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $44.42 | $88.84 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $50.10 | $100.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $54.82 | $109.65 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $62.48 | $124.96 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Dakota · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.